That's my sentiment. Small-boat sailors can adapt to big boats much easier than big-boat sailors can to dinghys...

That is precisely why I'm taking lessons - It's backasswards because I already have the big boat - but I'm hoping to pick up more of a feel for the boat. Then again - there is not much feel on my boat anyway.

The nice thing about boats is there is a boat suited for just about every purpose and personality. If a boat serves your purpose and you like it, then by my definition it is a good boat. Although there are many different types of boats placed in the dinghy category, my preference is a sailing dinghy such as the Minto. For one, because I make the Minto, but more significantly I have had one for 28 years and in between big boats, I was never "boatless" because I would never consider letting go of my Minto. Besides being a great little rowboat, it also is the answer to the question I invariably ask myself once the anchor is set or the Cape Dory is tied to the dock, "what do I do now?" I go sailing. Even if there is little wind there is enough to make sailing the Minto fun. When the wind picks up it becomes exciting. Not "Laser" exciting, but exciting enough to satisfy my sailing hunger even if we had motored all the way from our last destination. In the NW our sailboats function as motor boats on more summer days than anyone wants to admit.

I really improved my sailing as a kid sailing on my Laser (hull #14). I've kicked myself in the ass every day since I sold it to my neighbor. I used to love to make it hummmmm and it made this really cool noise when planing that is etched into my memories of being a child!!

I've tried about ten times, un-successfully, to buy it back. He's given me right of first refusal for the day when he eventually swallows the anchor. I sailed that boat far and wide for years when not sailing my parents big boats. I once sailed it, at the age of twelve, from North Hampton NH to the Nubble Light North of York Harbor, ME and back with only a thermos of water and a sandwich. My mom was PISSED OFF when I got home..... I also had a Dyer sailing dinghy but I long to get hull #14 of the Laser back in my possession most..

I think it is very important to the understanding of sailing to sail small boats....

I love sailing dinghy's!!

This is an early photo of me, at about 10, bringing our Rhodes 19 into the mooring after a race! As you can see I also learned the fine art of varnish at a young age too.........

Our tender is a dyer dink. I used to love to sail it until I snapped the mast. Once I get the new lower section I'm sure the love affair will start up again. I wish the mast parts were easier to stow on the biger boat. The dink gives us the ability to play once we are anchored and it will be a wonderful platform for our daughters to learn the basics.

I bought a Sumner 8 foot sailing dinghy last summer. Thought it would be fun to sail around the mooring field on lazy days when we are just hanging out. However, my kids prefer to play on the motorized RIB. Gonna sell it this spring.

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